Common Eye Diseases & Conditions
Glaucoma
This serious eye disease is the world’s second most frequent cause of blindness. Glaucoma occurs when too much pressure builds up inside the eye and eventually damages the optic nerve. Those with glaucoma gradually lose their peripheral vision at first but can go blind if they don’t receive treatment.
Vision loss is often the first obvious sign of glaucoma, and vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. As such, it’s critical to diagnose glaucoma while the disease is still in its early stages and take steps to slow it down before it starts affecting eyesight permanently.
Our optometrists test for glaucoma during regular eye exams. Whenever a patient is diagnosed with glaucoma, we work closely with them to manage it effectively.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) most often affects people over 50 years old. It’s caused by the deterioration of the macula (a part of the eye that facilitates central vision).
People with AMD often struggle with reading, driving, and facial recognition. AMD can also cause total blindness if left unmanaged.
Risk factors for AMD include smoking and overexposure to UV light. Permanent vision loss is often the first sign of AMD, but routine eye exams can detect it before it affects your eyesight. If your eye doctor can diagnose your AMD early, they may be able to slow it down.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is often called “pink eye” because it makes the whites of the eye appear pink or red. This condition results from an inflammation of the conjunctiva—the membrane that covers the white of the eye and is normally transparent. Viruses, allergies, and bacteria can all cause conjunctivitis, as well as contact with specific chemicals.
- Viral conjunctivitis is easily spread by sneezing, coughing, and hand-to-eye contact. Viral conjunctivitis may increase a person’s sensitivity to light. It can also make the eyes produce yellow or white mucus.
- Allergic conjunctivitis frequently appears alongside common cold symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. This form of conjunctivitis can also cause the eyes to itch, burn, or water excessively.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and often causes the eyes to produce a green or yellow discharge. The discharge can harden overnight and “glue” the eyelids shut after sleeping.
- Chemical conjunctivitis results from eye contact with smoke, fumes, toxic liquids, or other chemicals. This form of conjunctivitis is not contagious but may constitute an eye emergency. Contact your optometrist immediately if your eyes have come in contact with chemicals.
Not all varieties of conjunctivitis can be treated the same way, so an accurate diagnosis is absolutely vital. If you’re worried that you might have conjunctivitis, schedule an appointment with us and let our eye doctors help you find an effective solution.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens turns cloudy or milky, preventing a person from seeing clearly. Given enough time, most people will eventually develop cataracts as a natural part of the aging process. However, they can also be caused by other factors, including radiation.
An ophthalmologist can surgically remove cataracts to restore vision. Contact us if you’re starting to develop cataracts so we can help you find appropriate professional treatment.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye disease is the number one cause of blindness in Canada. Diabetes can make a person susceptible to diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, while increasing their risk of other diseases like cataracts and glaucoma.
Regular eye exams are often the only way to detect diabetic eye diseases before they can permanently damage your vision. Eye exams can also help detect diabetes itself in its early stages. To book an eye exam at our practice, reach out today and speak with one of our qualified team members.
